John Simpson

• Supporting the development and implementation of an annual HE Quality Review Cycle, establishing a comprehensive framework with defined responsibilities and reporting mechanisms.
• Led the creation of a robust HE Quality Action Plan based on institutional audits, Awarding Body, QAA Quality Code, and stakeholder feedback; defined KPIs to track impact and improvements.
• Forming the HE Quality Committee, revising Terms of Reference to ensure alignment with best practice and effective governance.
• Enhanced academic delivery standards by streamlining assessment timelines, welcome communications, and ensuring clarity in assessment materials.
• Strengthened quality assurance of HE assessment and feedback processes by establishing systems to monitor submission, feedback quality, and promote best practices.
• Reviewed and advanced the college’s policies and processes impacting the student experience; collaborated cross-functionally to improve communication and satisfaction.
• Evaluated and refined the External Examiner and End-Point Assessor role, ensuring compliance with sector standards and fostering effective examiner-college collaboration.
• Assessed and improved the college’s role as an End Point Assessment Organisation (EPAO), aligning with regulatory expectations and enhancing quality processes.

• Strategic Leadership: Provided comprehensive strategic and operational leadership for the IoT, ensuring alignment with national, regional, and local technical skills needs. Coordinated governance and stakeholder engagement to drive innovation and excellence.
• Project Delivery: Led the successful implementation of the IoT as per the Department for Education (DfE) licensing agreement, ensuring timely and effective project outcomes.
• Quality Assurance: Directed FE and HE quality enhancement processes, including course monitoring, regulatory compliance (e.g., OfS, Ofsted), and KPI achievement, to meet and surpass licensing standards.
• Partnership Management: Managed collaborative efforts among partner colleges, employers, and the DfE, chairing sub-groups and facilitating employer board operations to enhance IoT effectiveness.
• Curriculum Development: Led updates to curriculum offerings to reflect emerging industry needs, ensuring the relevance and modernisation of technical education pathways at Levels 4 and 5.
• Financial Oversight: Managed the central capital grant and coordinated estate functions among partners to ensure efficient use of resources and adherence to quality standards.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Established strong partnerships with employers, academic institutions, and the DfE to align IoT activities with workforce demands and foster collaborative success.
• Innovation in Education: Promoted the innovative use of digital technologies to enhance teaching, learning, and assessment across the IoT partnership.
• Risk Management: Maintained a robust risk register, addressing potential challenges and ensuring consistent achievement of SMART outcomes related to student progression, recruitment, and attainment.

Key Achievements

• Delivered a cohesive and recognised IoT brand through strategic marketing and stakeholder collaboration.
• Successfully facilitated cross-partner activities to improve the student journey and educational outcomes.
• Identified and secured additional funding opportunities to sustain and expand IoT initiatives.
• Championed inclusion, quality teaching, and workplace engagement to meet employer and learner expectations.

• Leadership and Compliance: Directed all Higher Education (HE) compliance initiatives, ensuring adherence to Office for Students (OfS) regulatory frameworks, including Access and Participation Plans and Transparency Returns.
• Quality Assurance: Led the development and implementation of HE Quality Assurance strategies, aligning with QAA standards to enhance academic integrity and learning opportunities across three campuses.
• Governance and Reporting: Regularly reported to senior management and governing bodies on HE standards, compliance, and student outcomes, contributing to strategic decision-making.
• Academic Services Management: Managed a multidisciplinary team, including Placements, Disability and Progress Officers, fostering a collaborative and high-performing culture.
• Student and Consumer Protection: Ensured alignment with QAA Quality Code, CMA guidelines, and OfS requirements for admissions, marketing, and student support policies.
• Widening Participation: Led initiatives to promote inclusivity, student access, and success, driving progression from Level 3 to HE and improving outreach activities in collaboration with local HEIs.
• Performance Monitoring: Developed systems to track and enhance HE performance, providing interventions to maintain high academic standards and student satisfaction.

Key Achievements

• Successfully assured HE standards and compliance, exceeding regulatory and institutional benchmarks.
• Designed and implemented frameworks for internal programmes approvals and periodic reviews, strengthening academic quality.
• Enhanced the student experience through innovative support strategies, achieving KPIs in satisfaction, achievement, and progression.
• Proactively led CPD initiatives for staff to improve HE academic standards across the institution

• Programme Coordination: Planned and delivered diverse outreach activities, including events for learners, teachers, and parents across the Blackpool, Wyre and Fylde.
• Guidance and Support: Provided first-level information, advice, and guidance to target secondary school and college learners, educators, and parents regarding the benefits of higher education.
• Workshops and Presentations: Developed and delivered engaging presentations and workshops (both in-person and remote) to increase awareness and readiness for higher education among target groups.
• Ambassador Coordination: Recruited, trained, and managed student ambassadors to support the successful execution of outreach events and activities.
• Relationship Building: Fostered and maintained strong relationships with stakeholders, including higher education institutions (HEIs), schools, colleges, and education-focused organisations across Lancashire.

Key Achievements

• Enhanced student readiness for higher education through tailored workshops and guidance sessions.
• Strengthened community engagement by establishing collaborative relationships with local schools and colleges.
• Successfully coordinated large-scale outreach events, positively impacting learner awareness and aspirations for higher education.

• Leadership & Representation: Served as the primary representative and figurehead of the Union, leading initiatives to enhance student engagement and College visibility.
• Student Advocacy & Engagement: Strengthened the Union’s presence across all campuses by launching new initiatives that boosted student participation. Collaborated with College staff to implement impactful policy changes addressing student needs.
• Sustainability Initiatives: Partnered with the Sustainability Strategy Group to design and execute long-term projects that positively impacted students and the local community.
• Governance & Oversight: Played a key role as a Trustee, contributing to the Union’s strategic planning and ensuring its financial and operational sustainability.

Key Achievements

• Increased Union income by 5% through strategic financial planning and improved services.
• Boosted student engagement in governance activities, leading to more inclusive representation.
• Improved Student Union satisfaction scores in the NSS survey by 10%, reflecting enhanced student services and experiences.